Fairy Crosses

In spite of the legends and superstitions that surround fairy crosses (also
known as fairy stones and fairy tears), these unique, cross-shaped stones do
have a scientific explanation. Found in rocks that have been subjected to great
heat and pressure, fairy stones are composed of staurolite, a combination of
silica, iron, and aluminum. Together, these minerals often crystallize in twin
form and appear on the stones in a crosslike structure.

Staurolite stones (from the Greek word Stauros, meaning "cross")
are most commonly shaped like St. Andrew's and Roman crosses. For many years,
people have used fairy stones as good luck charms, believing that they protect
the wearer against witchcraft, sickness, accidents, and disaster. It is claimed
that three U.S. presidents carried fairy stones as talismans.

The Cherokee are particularly fond of these stones. One Cherokee legend explains
that fairy crosses are the fallen tears of the Yunwi Tsunsdi, or Little People,
tiny, fairylike spirits known for their shy, timid nature and their ability
to find lost people. According to the legend, the Little People were gathered
near the town of Brasstown for a day of singing and dancing when a foreign messenger
arrived with news of the Crucifixion. The horrible story made the Little People
weep, and their tears fell to the earth as small crosses. Their hearts were
so filled with sorrow that they did not notice the tiny crosses on the ground
when they left. An excellent collection of fairy crosses is on display at the
Cherokee County Historical Museum in Murphy, phone (704) 837-6792.

In addition to the Brasstown area, staurolite stones have been discovered throughout
the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. Fairy Stone
State Park (Route 2, Box 723, Stuart, VA 24171-9588, phone 540-930-2424) in
Stuart, Virginia, claims to be the best place for fairy cross hunting, and rangers
provide free informational handouts on the unique history of the stones. Despite
how frequently they appear in this region, fairy stones remain largely uncommon
throughout most of the world.